The Tracy Women Part 1 Maddie
Disclaimer: The Thunderbirds are still not mine.
Well here it is last chapter. Katzen just to let you know you will find out what he knows. He heard her say she loved him though.
Chapter 11: Recovery
Jeff walked over to the window. So his son was in love with Maddie. He had heard her declaration at the factory but hadn't read too much in to it. He then thought back to the last couple of days. He had barely seen Maddie but she had been there whenever he wasn't. It was pretty obvious really that they loved each other. He should have guessed by the amount of time Virgil had spent in the sick bay when Maddie had been ill. Maddie was a lovely girl and she was kind and sweet and intelligent. She doted on all of the boys and they all doted on her right back. It was dark now and he glanced up at the stars. He thought about the boys mother. He wished she was here. She would know what he should do. He wondered what Lucy would have thought of Maddie.
"She would have loved her," said a voice from behind him. He turned round to face them.
"Yes she probably would have done mother," he replied.
"Of course she would. Maddie makes your son happy."
"I'm beginning to see that. How long has it been going on?" he asked.
"A couple of weeks I believe although I think they have loved each other since they met."
"How is it that you can read people so well?"
"Mothers always can and grandmothers are even better."
"I wish I could read the boys. How could I not see my son falling in love in front of my eyes," he said sitting down.
"Because you have so much else to focus on. You must have noticed the songs Virgil has been playing recently."
"They have been much happier songs."
"No they have been love songs."
"Yes I can remember a couple now. I just cant get over the fact I didn't realise it. What sort of father doesn't notice his son is in love."
"A father who has four other sons and a ton of work commitments. Maddie and Virgil have been keeping it fairly quiet out of loyalty to John."
"I take it John loves her too?"
"I don't think so. Just a crush maybe. Well you picked up on that well."
"John has just seemed really quiet and despondent lately."
"He has but he will get over it. You can read your sons Jeff."
"Yeah I think I always knew. I guess I was just pretending I couldn't see it."
"Why honey?" she asked sitting down beside him.
"I just don't want them to go through what I went through," he said sadly.
"You can't protect them forever son. You have to let them live. If the worst happened they would deal with it just like you did."
"Eventually but I had them to help me."
"And they have each other to help. They would soon rally round each other. They are men now Jeff."
"I know. Well I guess they were going to fall in love eventually."
"Yes. I want some great grandchildren out of them before I am too old to enjoy it."
"One step at a time mother. I have just accepted him having a girlfriend. I don't want to think about being a grandfather."
"Well I think we will be hearing a proposal before long."
"Really that soon."
"Jefferson Tracy how long had you known Lucille when you asked her to marry you?"
"Um I think about four months," he said looking down at the floor.
"Exactly. Now I think we had better send Scott and Maddie to the hotel for a sleep," she said standing up.
"She will make a wonderful daughter in law and you know she will never hurt Virgil," she said smiling.
"Yes I think she will. Come on then," he said and they walked back in.
Jeff tried to get comfortable in the hard plastic chair. He was the only one left with Virgil now. He had managed to convince Scott to take his mother and Maddie back to the hotel to sleep. He gazed over at his son. His face was still pale but he was sleeping peacefully. Jeff stood up and stretched he had never been able to sleep well in these chairs.
"Not good for sleeping in huh," said a voice. Jeff looked down to the bed.
"Hello son and no they are not. Give me my own bed any day," he replied sitting back down.
"You didn't have to stay dad."
"Yes I do Virgil. I couldn't leave you here alone. I did enough of that when you were young," he replied remembering all the times he had neglected his middle son.
"It doesn't matter dad."
"Yes it does son. I should have been a better father to you."
"You are a great dad. Always have been, always will be," said Virgil with love.
"Not always son. I wasn't there for you at the funeral was I?"
"No but you did have to look after the others."
"Virgil. I abandoned you in your hour of need. I left you with a little girl who was still grieving herself. I will always regret that."
"Forget about it dad. I have."
"John hasn't and I don't think you have either deep down."
"Maybe not but I know how hard that day was for you. I was ok dad. I had Maddie. She was wonderful then. She said all the right things and just held my hand throughout. I never hated you for that and neither did John."
"Maybe. I guess I owe Maddie a lot."
"Yeah. Look dad about Maddie," he began but Jeff interrupted him.
"Son. I just have one question. Do you love her?"
"With all my heart dad. She makes life worth living. She is my soul mate. I know you are not too keen about us getting seriously involved with women but it's too late for me Dad."
"I know son. I can see it in your eyes. You look just like I did around your mother."
"Really?" questioned Virgil. His dad didn't mention his mum much.
"Yes son and if Maddie makes you as happy as she made me then you will be a lucky guy," said Jeff taking his sons hand.
"Wow. Thats good to hear. You don't talk about her much."
"I know. It's hard for me to mention her but I will try harder. Especially for Alan and Gordon. They don't even remember her."
"They will like that. Dad are you OK with me and Maddie?"
"If she makes you happy son of course I am. That's all any father wants. That and grand kids," he said laughing. Seeing Virgil's shocked look he said. "You don't have to worry about that bit just yet son," Virgil grinned back.
"Night dad. You should try and sleep," he replied sleepily.
"OK son. I love you."
"I love you too dad," he said and fell asleep.
Maddie awoke and stretched. She felt really sore. That's what I get for falling asleep on the couch she thought. She looked over at the other one and saw Scott had done the same thing. She smiled. She heard a bedroom door open and glanced up to see John. She put her finger to her lips to signal him to be quiet and then pointed at Scott. John smiled and Maddie followed him to the kitchen.
"Morning Maddie. Sleep well?" he asked making some coffee.
"Yeah though I feel stiff this morning," she replied making them some toast.
"Not surprised those couches are uncomfortable. I slept on it the first night."
"I hope one of those cups is for me," said a voice at the door. They both turned to see a very dischevelled Scott. Maddie had to laugh at him.
"Hey you don't look much better," he said looking at her tousled hair and red eyes. She grinned again and handed him a cup.
"Morning loves," said Mrs Tracy.
"Morning grandma," said Scott and John in unison.
"Morning Mrs Tracy. Would you like a cup of tea?" asked Maddie.
"Yes thanks and please call me grandma," she replied sitting beside Scott.
"I will try," she replied and poured another cup. She then poured herself a glass of orange juice.
"Have we heard how the invalid is yet?" asked Gordon from the door.
"No expecting a call any minute," said grandma as the phone rang. She went back into the lounge to answer it. The others all carried on eating. She soon came back in.
"How is he?" asked Maddie.
"Much better and asking fr you," she replied. The others all grinned as Maddie blushed. She then left the room to get ready.
"Don't tease boys," scolded their grandma.
"It's funny though. Whoever thought Virgil would be the first one of us to be whipped by a girl," said Gordon laughing.
"I think you are forgetting Alan," said John.
"He don't count. I always thought it would be you Johnny," he added.
"Oh yeah cos there are lots of women floating around in space," joked John.
"Boys stop it. Now go and get ready," said grandma and the boys all ran off still laughing.
They all arrived at the hospital a couple of hours later. Virgil was sitting up in bed looking more like himself. He grinned as they all walked in then frowned when he couldn't see Maddie.
"Where is Maddie?" he asked.
"Nice to see you too bro," said Gordon sarcastically.
"Punch him for me would you Scott."
"Sure," said Scott and moved towards his younger brother. Gordon yelped and hid behind John.
"Maddie is talking to Dad and Grandma," said John.
"Oh ok then," he said relaxing. Maddie had been a bit off with him lately. He had now realized Maddie was scared of how his dad would react to their relationship.
"You seem overly concerned about where Maddie is. Is there something we should know?" asked Gordon knowing perfectly well what was going on.
"Um yeah there is. Me and Maddie are well you know."
"Are well you know what?" said Gordon forcing Virgil to say it. Virgil looked over at John not wanting to hurt him. John saw it and nodded smiling.
"We are an item," he said finally.
"Oh are you now. Does Dad know?" asked Alan.
"Yes he does and he is ok with it. So I wanted to know how you guys feel about it," he said looking around them all.
"I think it's great bro," said John making the first move. He hugged his brother leaving Scott free to punch Gordon on the arm.
"Hey," he yelled rubbing his arm.
"I think it's great too," said Alan.
"Yeah me as well though I think she picked the wrong brother. She would be much better off with me," added Gordon grinning.
"You want another punch?" asked John.
"Scott, what about you?" asked Virgil noticing that Scott had not said a word. He had not been listening.
"Earth to Scott. Come in Scott," said John.
"Huh what. Oh sorry I was miles away. As long as you are happy bro," he replied not very convincingly. Virgil looked worried.
Meanwhile outside Maddie was talking to Jeff.
"May I have a quick word with you?" he asked.
"Um sure Mr Tracy," said Maddie taking a seat.
"I wanted to talk to you about Virgil."
"About Virgil," she said a worried look crossing her face.
"Yes. Virgil told me last night that you two are an item. Is that correct?"
"Uh yes Mr Tracy."
"And do you love my son?"
"Yes I do," she said without hesitation.
"Good then I have one thing to say to you," he said standing up. Maddie stood up nervously in front of him. Terrified by what he might be about to say. Was he going to say they couldn't see each other anymore. She took a deep breath.
"Welcome to the family," he said smiling. Maddie froze for a second then smiled back.
"Why don't we see what my wayward family are up to," he said. They both walked to the door. They looked through the window and saw them all larking about. Jeff placed his arm round her and guided her through the door. Virgil looked up as they entered and smiled. They walked over to the bed.
"Hey Virgil. How are you feeling?" she asked.
"Good. How are you?" he asked smiling at her.
"Boys why don't we give these two a minute," said Jeff.
"Scott hang on a second will you?" asked Virgil. He looked at the others leaving wishing he was going with them and turned back round.
"Scott do you have a problem with us?" he asked.
"No," he replied quietly. Maddie looked up at him and realized what the problem was.
"Scott. You are worried I will take him away from you aren't you. You two have always shared everything and now you are worried he will turn to me and not you," she said walking over to him. Scott nodded and looked at the floor. It was exactly what he was thinking. He didn't really want to share his brother. Virgil was the one he got on with the best.
"That would never happen. Virgil may come to me with most things but there will always be stuff that only you will be able to help him with. I would never want to come between you and I don't think I ever could. You are too close. If anyone should be jealous it should be me."
"You are right," he said looking up at her.
"Yeah bro. Who am I going to turn to when I fight with Maddie or when I want to play a prank on the brats. You will always be my best mate Scott," said Virgil.
"You too bro," said Scott and he hugged his younger brother. He then left them to talk. Maddie sat down on the bed beside him.
"Maddie did dad give you his blessing?" he asked.
"Yes," she said smiling.
"Then come over here and kiss me," he said opening his arms out to her. She paused for a second then grinned and went into his arms. They kissed as the others all watched from the door.
Three Months Later.
It was Maddie's birthday today and she hadn't told anyone. She didn't like celebrating it. What she didn't bank on however was Gordon finding out. He had been planning a surprise party for her. Tintin had taken her out for the day so the others could prepare. Virgil had been writing a song for her.
"OK I can hear the plane coming. You guys ready?" asked Gordon.
"Yes," they all replied.
"Hiding places everyone," said Jeff. They all hid in random places in the lounge as they approached. Tintin switched the light on.
"Surprise," they all yelled. Maddie was stunned. She took in all the balloons and banners. Virgil walked over to her.
"Happy Birthday Baby," he said and kissed her.
"Did you do this?" she asked. He shook his head. She looked around the room at the others and stopped at Gordon who was grinning.
"You did all this?" she asked him. He nodded and she hugged him.
"Happy birthday Doc," he replied. All the others came forward and hugged her.
"Present time," said Alan bringing a parcel over. Maddie smiled and then opened it. Inside was her lab coat although it looked very different now. It had pictures of all the Thunderbird craft on it and one the back it said International Rescue's No 1 Dr.
"Thanks guys. It's great," she said grinning. The both grinned back and hugged her. Scott then stepped forward.
"My present to you is on the runway," he said guiding her to the balcony. On the runway sat her plane looking brand new.
"I did all the repairs on it for you. Happy birthday Maddie," he said.
"Oh my god thank you so much," she replied kissing his cheek. Her plane had not been right when she first arrived. Scott had spent time fixing it up for her.
"Ok my turn," said John through the monitor. He couldn't be there today but he had still got her a present. Virgil handed it to her. She opened it to find a copy of his book A Star for Lucille. She had lost her copy. He had even signed it and included a message. It said.
Dear Maddie
Enjoy this book. I know how much you liked it. I will always be here for you. You mean a lot to me. Make sure my brother looks after you
love Your Terrible Twin.
Maddie smiled at him. "Thanks so much John. I love this book. I wish I could hug you."
"Virge could you please hug your girlfriend for me," he said smiling.
"My pleasure bro," he replied and hugged her tight. The others all gave her their gifts. Maddie was touched by each one. There was just Virgil left now.
"Well I guess it's my turn now. Will you all take a seat," he asked. Jeff sat down at his desk. Mrs Tracy sat on one sofa with Brains and Kyrano. Gordon, Scott and Maddie sat on the other one and Alan and Tintin sat on a chair together. Virgil took his place at the piano.
"Maddie. I didn't know what to get you so I have written you a song. I hope you like it," he said and began.
When I look at my life
Before you came along
It never seemed complete
something was wrong
You are that missing part
My one and Only
You stole my heart
And I'm forever yours.
Whenever I look into your eyes
The tunes flow through me
Whenever I see you smile
The notes pour from me
You are my muse, My inspiration
You are the music in me.
With eyes as blue as the sea
And a smile that could melt the coldest heart
You mean the world to me
I don't ever want to part
You can see into my soul
You always know the right words to say
You make my life whole
And you will always be mine.
Throughout my life
Forever and always
You are the music in me.
Virgil finished playing and evryone clapped. Maddie had tears in her eyes. Scott smiled and put his arm round her.
"That was great Virge," he said. Everyone agreed.
"Thank you Virgil. That was the most amazing thing you could ever give me," she said standing up and walking over to him. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her.
"I have one more thing," he said. He reached into the piano stool and pulled something out. He turned round to Maddie.
"You make my life complete and I don't ever want to lose you," he said kneeling down.
"Oh my god," said Maddie looking down at him.
"Maddeline Richards I love you more then life itself. Will you marry me?"
The whole room was silent. Mrs Tracy grinned at her son and gave him the 'I told you so' look.
"Of course I will," she said crying. He placed a beautiful white gold sapphire ring on her finger and then stood up. He pulled her into his arms and span her round.
"The stone is the same colour as your eyes," he whispered and then kissed her. Everyone got up and began congratulating the happy couple. Jeff smiled at them all and knew his life was about to change for the better.
Authors Note: Well that's it guys. I hope you all liked it. Let me know if you did. I do have a sequel lined up. So if this one gets good reviews. I shall start on it soon. It will be about John. Thanks for taking the time to read this.